Imagine biting into a golden, crispy ball that bursts with the rich flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted cheese. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses as you anticipate the first bite of these irresistible crispy Reuben balls. Perfect for game day or a cozy gathering, these little gems promise to elevate any occasion with their delightful crunch and savory filling. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Now picture this: you’re settling in for a movie night, and instead of reaching for that boring bowl of popcorn, you whip out a platter of these Reuben balls. Your friends can’t resist dipping them into tangy Thousand Island dressing while raving about how they’ve never had anything like it. Trust me; this dish is not just food; it’s an experience worth sharing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These irresistible crispy Reuben balls are easy to prepare and absolutely delicious
- They offer a delightful combination of flavors that will please everyone
- Visually stunning, they add flair to any gathering
- Enjoy them as appetizers or main dishes; their versatility is unmatched
I still remember the first time I made these Reuben balls for my friends. Their delighted faces and compliments made it a memorable evening.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Corned Beef: Opt for high-quality deli corned beef for the best flavor and texture in your Reuben balls.
- Sauerkraut: Drain well before using to avoid soggy filling; its tanginess balances perfectly with the richness of the beef.
- Swiss Cheese: Shredded Swiss adds creamy goodness—feel free to substitute with Gruyère if you’re feeling fancy.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch; they create that perfect crispy exterior we all love.
- Thousand Island Dressing: This classic dressing serves as both a dip and flavor enhancer—make sure to have enough on hand!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Filling: Start by combining chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese in a mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined; the smell will make your mouth water.
Form the Balls: Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Don’t worry about making them perfect; rustic is charming!
Bread the Balls: Dip each ball into flour first, then coat it with beaten egg before rolling it in panko breadcrumbs. This double-dipping ensures an extra-crunchy exterior that everyone will love.
Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place each ball into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy—about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried balls onto paper towels. Allow them to drain briefly before serving alongside your favorite Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
These irresistible crispy Reuben balls are not only easy to make but also promise an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy crafting this delightful treat that can turn any ordinary occasion into something truly special!
You Must Know
- These irresistible crispy Reuben balls are not just a snack; they’re a party in your mouth
- The crunch, the ooze of melted cheese, and the tangy hints of sauerkraut will have everyone dancing around the kitchen
- Don’t forget to make extra; they’ll vanish faster than your favorite series finale!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve crispy perfection, fry your Reuben balls in batches. This ensures they cook evenly and develop that golden crust we all crave without overcrowding the pan.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out corned beef for pastrami or turkey for a twist on flavor. You can also add jalapeños for a spicy kick or different cheeses to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Reuben balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crunchiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly golden Reuben balls, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying
- Keep an eye on cooking time; overcooking can result in dryness
- Always drain fried balls on paper towels to remove excess oil
Memories flood back when I think of making these Reuben balls for my friends’ game night—everyone loved them so much that I had to hide some just for myself.
FAQ
What is the best oil for frying Reuben balls?
Canola or vegetable oil work best for frying due to their high smoke points.
How can I make these vegetarian?
You can substitute corned beef with additional cheese or mushrooms for a hearty option.
Can I bake Reuben balls instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Crispy Reuben Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Reuben Balls are a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for entertaining or game day. Each golden ball is filled with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all encased in a crunchy panko coating. Serve these irresistible bites with Thousand Island dressing for dipping, and watch them disappear as everyone savors every crunchy, cheesy bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup high-quality corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Thousand Island dressing for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese until well mixed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Dip each ball in flour, then beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the balls in batches until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with Thousand Island dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Reuben balls (70g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg